Matters of Taste

Hi friend,

Suddenly, everywhere we turn, people are bemoaning the disappearance of taste.

Former Washington Post critic Robin Givhan, now writing for The New York Times, on why shopping feels blah: “Taste is the fizz that’s missing.”

The gonzo writers behind the relaunch of foodie mag Gourmet, on what they’ll bring to the food media world: “We will not use AI, because it has no taste.”  

According to Alice Inggs for World of Interiors, we’re obsessed with taste right now because, “Having taste requires decisiveness…the general consensus that ‘good’ taste is connected to provenance, appreciation of the arts, craftsmanship, and quality (the price point of the latter advantageously out of reach of proles and its worth supposedly invisible to the newly minted).”

As the saying goes, money cannot buy taste. That’s evident in the new Netflix reality TV show Members Only: Palm Beach, a document of five middle-aged female strivers trying to navigate high society while residing in Palm Beach County. Gasp.

“Although the notion of Palm Beach royalty courses throughout the series, there are tell-tale signs of the cast’s outsider-status,” remarks Town & Country. “Mar-a-Lago — discussed as a pinnacle of Palm Beach’s social-pecking order — is not seen as the ‘right’ club in upper-crust Palm Beachers’ eyes.” These women, per another naysayer in The Hollywood Reporter, are “geographically challenged coattail riders who present themselves as Palm Beachers when they are not.” Brutal.

The show is a tough watch. Everyone seems miserable. Taste, that potent (yet enigmatic) mix of judgement, critique, knowledge, creativity, and originality, is entirely absent. In an attempt to fill the void, vast quantities of money are dispensed. The result is a campy, gaudy pastiche. Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.

Bye,
Your friends at Gloria

We’ve been waiting patiently, and now it’s time; the after-holiday sales are in full swing. Like vultures, we’ve been circling for months, hoping that prices would drop. And they finally have (though prices overall are still nutso!). Below, a few standouts that combine high-quality materials with classic design — aka worthy investments.

• Simple and timeless. Mansur Gavriel Bag, $330 (from $774.)

• An ultra-cute wool-cashmere sweater in a bold nautical stripe. Maison Ange Bethy Stripe Sweater, $138 (from $230).

• The right heel height, and a shape that feels updated, but not overly trendy. By Far Este 30MM Leather Ankle Boots, $300 (from $510).

• Just a really good denim shirt. Lauren Ralph Lauren Denim Shirt, $80 (from $145).

• A steal. La Ligne Long-Sleeve Breton Tee, $45 (from $135).

• The colors on this classic Fair Isle are excellent. Rag & Bone Fair Isle-Style Wool Sweater, $383.60 (from $548).

• Actually stylish work pants. Câllas Milano Brody Cropped Cuff Pant, $235 (from $590).

• Still ridiculously expensive, but we covet them (unfortunately). Le Monde Beryl The Driver Moccasin Loafer, $517 (from $905).

• Love these pieces as a set, or on their own. Proenza Schouler White Label Caroline Shirt and Eleanor Pant in Linen, $140 (from $395) and $160 (from $450).

• The ideal cashmere knit. Theory Cashmere Crop Sweater, $219 (from $365).

• A pretty, easy-wearing top. Ulla Johnson Esen Paisley-Print Wool-Blend Top, $168 (from $420).

• Chic little sneakers. Autry Windspin Leather-Trimmed Brushed Suede Sneakers, $137 (from $195).

• There’s something special about this summery striped bag. Staud Rue Raffia Tote Bag, $297 (from $495).

• A sweater that’ll add a little extra to jeans. Simkhai Embellished Coraline Crewneck, $413 (from $825).

• Made of linen for an appealing drape. Ichi Antiquités Undyed Pullover Sweater, $82.50 (from $165).

• We always have our eye out for Nili pants on sale. Nili Lotan Effy Pant, $188 (from $470).

• This jacket is a standout. Maria de la Orden Jasper Jacket, $189 (from $270).

• To layer over a tee or button-down now, and to wear on its own later. Jardin Des Orangers Wool and Cashmere Sweater Vest, $184 (from $230).

• Slouchy, but thanks to the crop, not overwhelming. Frame Denim Shirt, $152 (from $378).

• A crisp button-down in a stellar shade. The Frankie Shop Lui Cotton-Poplin Shirt, $160 (from $200).

Shop the Story

We’re in that in-between stretch where the days are getting longer, but it’s still very much sweater weather. We’re taking advantage at Nadaam right now, while the best pieces are still in stock and on sale. We want this pretty alpaca cardigan for maximum coziness, this featherweight cashmere polo that we can wear right through spring, and this lightweight short-sleeve cardigan, which we know we’ll wear constantly. (Bonus: everything is currently up to 50 percent off.) #partner

TO WATCH We will give Ryan Murphy’s new The Substance-like TV series The Beauty a shot, if only because of Isabella Rossellini and Rebecca Hall. Also of interest: the new Prime Video crime thriller Steal.

TO TRY Awaken arousal in more ways than one with this award-winning, FDA registered bendable vibrator that’s doctor-recommended to intensify arousal and lubrication — naturally. Save 30% + an extra 20% off with S4VE20. #partner

TO LISTEN This fascinating podcast about space is perfect to send to the man who thinks we’re going to live on Mars soon. Tune in around minute 16 for the litany of issues, including radiation, gravity, and chemicals.

TO SHOP We’re into this new-to-us sunglasses brand, which makes affordable, high-quality shades that feel on-trend. If you’re lucky enough to have a vacation planned or you just want to brighten up your winter look, check out the Addison, the Billie, and the Coco, and shop them all here. #partner

TO READ Everyone is talking about the new Jennette McCurdy book Half His Age (Bookshop, Amazon), about a precocious high schooler making terrible decisions. The early consensus seems to be: gross, but engrossing.

We cannot just age, we must remain hot. • A boomer explains their reluctance to discuss end-of-life planning with their kids. • The era of the “stay-at-home son.” • Trying to understand why people are reminiscing over 2016. • A dispatch from Minneapolis.

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